Process to control HI concentration in residuum stream

ABSTRACT

A process directed to acetic acid production comprising providing a feed stream comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC to a distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone and distilling the feed stream at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to produce an overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC, and a residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI is disclosed herein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/112,120 filed Feb. 4, 2015, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Acetic acid production by carbonylation includes continuously reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst in a reactor. The reaction mixture present in the reactor comprises a transition metal, which may be a Group VIII metal, which may be iridium and/or rhodium or nickel, and may further include one or more solvents, water, various stabilizers, co-catalysts, promoters, and the like. Reaction mixtures known in the art may comprise acetic acid, methyl acetate, methyl iodide, hydrogen iodide, a hydrogen iodide promoter, and the like.

A complex network of inter-dependent equilibria involving liquid acetic acid reaction components exists within the reaction mixture present in the reactor, which include those directed to the formation of acetic acid, as well as those directed to the formation of various impurities which are also produced in the reactor. Impurities which may be present in acetic acid include permanganate reducing compounds (PRCs) such as acetaldehyde.

Hydrogen iodide, HI, whether present in molecular form as hydrogen iodide or dissociated in a solvent as hydriodic acid, is present in the reaction mixture according to various production schemes. However, HI is highly corrosive to metals and presents various challenges in acetic acid production.

Attempts in the art are directed to minimizing HI outside of the reactor, with the ultimate goal of eliminating it outside of the reactor. Examples include processes directed to injecting methanol into a distillation column with the purported intention of reacting the methanol with the HI present therein to form methyl iodide and water. (cf. JP2000-72712, Japanese application 10-244590, filed Aug. 31, 1998, the entire contents and disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference). However, processes directed to minimizing HI to reduce or eliminate corrosion issues failed to realize benefits associated with particular concentrations of HI outside the reactor. There is a need to control HI concentrations within particular ranges in various aspects of an acetic acid production process.

SUMMARY

In embodiments according to the instant disclosure, methods to produce acetic acid comprise a process wherein the concentration of HI is controlled above a minimum concentration and/or within a selected concentration range above the minimum concentration in one or more streams outside of the carbonylation reactor. In particular, in a distillation column utilized in an aldehyde removal process.

In embodiments, a process comprises providing a feed stream comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC to a distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone, distilling the feed stream at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to produce an overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC, and a residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI.

In embodiments, a process comprises distilling a portion of a reaction medium of a carbonylation reactor in a first column to yield an acetic acid stream and a first overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC; directing a second column feed stream comprising or derived from the first overhead stream into a second distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone; distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to produce a second column overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC, and a second column residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI; extracting at least a portion of the second column overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC with water at a temperature below about 25° C. to produce an aqueous waste stream comprising the at least one PRC, and a raffinate stream comprising methyl iodide; and directing at least a first portion of the raffinate stream back into the second distillation column.

In still other embodiments, a process comprises distilling a portion of a reaction medium of a carbonylation reactor in a first distillation column to yield an acetic acid stream and a first overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC; directing a second column feed stream comprising or derived from the first overhead stream into a second distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone; distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to produce a second column overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, dimethyl ether, and at least one PRC, and a second column residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and from about 0.11 weight percent to about 0.9 weight percent HI; simultaneously directing a top flush stream comprising water into the distillation zone at a mass flow rate greater than or equal to 0.1% of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream; and simultaneously directing a bottom flush stream comprising acetic acid into the distillation zone and/or the bottom sump zone at a mass flow rate greater than or equal to 0.1% of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process to produce acetic acid according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an alternative purification process according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram of a second distillation column according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional diagram of a liquid redistributor of a second distillation column according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional diagram of a liquid redistributor of a second distillation column according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional diagram of a liquid redistributor of a second distillation column according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be noted that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system related and business related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. In addition, the processes disclosed herein can also comprise components other than those cited or specifically referred to, as is apparent to one having average or reasonable skill in the art.

In the summary and this detailed description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the summary and this detailed description, it should be understood that a concentration range listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every concentration within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific data points, it is to be understood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventors possessed knowledge of the entire range and all points within the range.

Throughout the entire specification, including the claims, the following terms have the indicated meanings unless otherwise specified.

As used in the specification and claims, “near” is inclusive of “at.” The term “and/or” refers to both the inclusive “and” case and the exclusive “or” case, and is used herein for brevity. For example, a mixture comprising acetic acid and/or methyl acetate may comprise acetic acid alone, methyl acetate alone, or both acetic acid and methyl acetate.

All percentages are expressed as weight percent (wt %), based on the total weight of the particular stream or composition present, unless otherwise noted. Room temperature is 25° C. and atmospheric pressure is 101.325 kPa unless otherwise noted.

For purposes herein:

acetic acid may be abbreviated as “AcOH”;

acetaldehyde may be abbreviated as “AcH”;

methyl acetate may be abbreviated “MeAc”;

methanol may be abbreviated “MeOH”;

methyl iodide may be abbreviated as “MeI”;

carbon monoxide may be abbreviated “CO”; and

dimethyl ether may be abbreviated “DME”.

HI refers to either molecular hydrogen iodide or dissociated hydriodic acid when at least partially ionized in a polar medium, typically a medium comprising at least some water. Unless otherwise specified, the two are referred to interchangeably. Unless otherwise specified, HI concentration is determined via acid-base titration using a potentiometric end point. In particular, HI concentration is determined via titration with a standard lithium acetate solution to a potentiometric end point. It is to be understood that for purposes herein, the concentration of HI is not determined by subtracting a concentration of iodide assumed to be associated with a measurement of corrosion metals or other non H+ cations from the total ionic iodide present in a sample.

It is to be understood that HI concentration does not refer to iodide ion concentration. HI concentration specifically refers to HI concentration as determined via potentiometric titration.

This subtraction method is an unreliable and imprecise method to determine relatively lower HI concentrations (i.e., less than about 5 weight percent) due to the fact that it assumes all non-H+ cations (such as cations of Fe, Ni, Cr, Mo) are associated with iodide anion exclusively. In reality, a significant portion of the metal cations in this process can be associated with acetate anion. Additionally, many of these metal cations have multiple valence states, which adds even more unreliability to the assumption on the amount of iodide anion which could be associated with these metals. Ultimately, this method gives rise to an unreliable determination of the actual HI concentration, especially in view of the ability to perform a simple titration directly representative of the HI concentration.

For purposes herein, an “overhead” of a distillation column refers to at least one of the lower boiling condensable fractions which exits at or near the top, (e.g., proximate to the top), of the distillation column, and/or the condensed form of that stream or composition. Obviously, all fractions are ultimately condensable, yet for purposes herein, a condensable fraction is condensable under the conditions present in the process as readily understood by one of skill in the art. Examples of non-condensable fractions may include nitrogen, hydrogen, and the like. Likewise, an overhead stream may be taken just below the upper most exit of a distillation column, for example, wherein the lowest boiling fraction is a non-condensable stream or represents a de-minimis stream, as would be readily understood by one of reasonable skill in the art.

The residuum of a distillation column refers to one or more of the highest boiling fractions which exit at or near the bottom of the distillation column, also referred to herein as flowing from the bottom sump of the column. It is to be understood that a residuum may be taken from just above the very bottom exit of a distillation column, for example, wherein the very bottom fraction produced by the column is a salt, an unusable tar, a solid waste product, or a de-minimis stream as would be readily understood by one of reasonable skill in the art.

For purposes herein, distillation columns comprise a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone. The distillation zone includes everything above the bottom sump zone, i.e., between the bottom sump zone and the top of the column. For purposes herein, the bottom sump zone refers to the lower portion of the distillation column in which a liquid reservoir of the higher boiling components is present (e.g., the bottom of a distillation column) from which the bottom or residuum stream flows upon exiting the column. The bottom sump zone may include reboilers, control equipment, and the like.

It is to be understood that the term “passages”, “flow paths”, “flow conduits”, and the like in relation to internal components of a distillation column are used interchangeably to refer to holes, tubes, channels, slits, drains, and the like, which are disposed through and/or which provide a path for liquid and/or vapor to move from one side of the internal component to the other side of the internal component. Examples of passages disposed through a structure such as a liquid distributor of a distillation column include drain holes, drain tubes, drain slits, and the like, which allow a liquid to flow through the structure from one side to another.

Average residence time is defined as the sum total of all liquid volume hold-up for a given phase within a distillation zone divided by the average flow rate of that phase through the distillation zone. The hold-up volume for a given phase can include liquid volume contained in the various internal components of the column including collectors, distributors and the like, as well as liquid contained on trays, within downcomers, and/or within structured or random packed bed sections.

The average total residence time of the feed stream in the distillation zone of the column is necessarily less than (and does not refer to) the total residence time of the feed stream within the distillation column. The total residence time of a stream in a distillation column is the sum of both the total residence time of the feed stream in the distillation zone and the total residence time of the feed stream in the bottom sump zone of the column.

As used herein, internal components located within a distillation zone of a column include packing sections, liquid distributors, liquid collectors, liquid redistributors, trays, supports, and the like.

As used herein, mass flow rate refers to kg/hr unless otherwise stated, and may be determined directly or calculated from volumetric measurements.

As used herein, a carbonylatable reactant is any material which reacts with carbon monoxide under reaction conditions to produce acetic acid, or the intended product. Carbonylatable reactants include methanol, methyl acetate, dimethyl ether, methyl formate, and the like.

As used herein, when at least a portion of a stream or other composition is further processed, such as by being recycled or directed back into another portion of the process, it is to be understood that a “portion” refers to an aliquot of the stream or composition. Stated another way, a “portion” refers to a portion of the entire mass flow of the stream or a portion of the entire composition. It is to be expressly understood that a “portion” of a stream or composition does not refer to selective components present therein. Accordingly, recycle of a portion of stream does not include any process in which components in the stream at the origination point are not present at the disposition point.

When a portion of a stream or composition is directly recycled or otherwise directed to a disposition point, the mass of each component originally present in the stream is present at the disposition point at the same relative proportions.

A portion of a stream or composition which is indirectly recycled or otherwise directed may be combined with other streams, yet the absolute mass of each and every component present in the original stream is still present at the disposition point, and the changes to the overall composition are the result of combining the particular stream with others.

As used herein, a stream or composition “derived” from another stream may include the entire stream or may include less than all of the individual components initially present in the stream. Accordingly, recycle of a stream derived from another stream does not necessarily require the mass of each component originally present in the stream to be present at the disposition point. A stream or composition “derived” from a particular stream may thus include a stream which is subject to further processing or purification prior to disposition. For example, a stream which is distilled prior to being recycled to a final disposition point is derived from the original stream.

For purposes herein, permanganate reducing compounds (PRCs) include acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, crotonaldehyde, 2-ethyl crotonaldehyde, 2-ethyl butyraldehyde, and the like, and the aldol and cross aldol condensation products thereof. PRCs are detected according to ASTM D1363. HI has physical properties which are generally considered detrimental to various process components typically present in commercial acetic acid processes due to corrosion issues. In particular, the presence of HI in distillation columns is considered detrimental, especially to heat exchange surfaces such as reboilers and the like. While HI is necessarily present within the carbonylation reactor utilized in the production of acetic acid via the “Monsanto” and AO® Technology processes, numerous applications in the art are directed to reducing and/or eliminating the presence of HI in streams found outside of the carbonylation reactor.

However, it has been discovered that when HI is present at particular concentrations within one or more streams outside of the carbonylation reactor of an acetic acid process, one or more previously unknown benefits are realized. For example, it has been suggested that HI is instrumental in the formation of dimethyl ether (DME) under conditions present within a distillation column of an aldehyde removal system (ARS). This dimethyl ether unexpectedly functions to lower the concentration of methyl iodide in the aqueous waste streams produced by such aldehyde removal systems as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,883, U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,886, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,076,507, and the like, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Accordingly, prior art disclosures directed to eliminating HI outside of the reactor fail to realize the benefits which flow from HI concentrations according to embodiments disclosed herein. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide methods by which the concentration of HI within the sump of the ARS distillation column may be controlled. By controlling the HI concentration in the sump of the ARS distillation column, the amount of DME produced in the column may be controlled to obtain the benefits which flow therefrom.

In an embodiment, a process comprises providing a feed stream comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC to a distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone; and distilling the feed stream at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to produce an overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC, and a residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI. In embodiments, the residuum stream comprises about 0.6 weight percent HI to about 1.2 weight percent HI.

In embodiments, an average liquid phase residence time within the distillation zone of the process is about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. In embodiments, the liquid phase comprises a first liquid phase comprising greater than about 50 weight percent water and a second liquid phase comprising greater than about 50 weight percent methyl iodide. In embodiments, the distillation zone comprises a plurality of internal components, each having a component liquid retention volume, wherein each of the internal components is dimensioned and arranged such that an average residence time of the first liquid phase and an average residence time of the second liquid phase in each of the component liquid retention volumes is less than about 30 minutes.

In embodiments, at least one internal component is dimensioned and arranged such that the average residence time of the first liquid phase is greater than or equal to the average residence time of the second liquid phase in the corresponding component liquid retention volume. In embodiments, at least one internal component comprises a first plurality of flow paths dimensioned and arranged such that the average residence time of the first liquid phase is from about 0.1 minutes to about 20 minutes in the corresponding component liquid retention volume, and/or at least one internal component further comprises a second plurality of flow paths dimensioned and arranged such that the average residence time of the second liquid phase is from about 0.1 minutes to about 20 minutes in the corresponding component liquid retention volume.

In embodiments, the process further comprises directing a top flush stream comprising water into the distillation zone simultaneous with distilling of the feed stream. In embodiments, the mass flow rate of the top flush stream directed into the distillation column is greater than or equal to about 0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the feed stream and/or the top flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent water, a portion of the bottom residuum stream, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, the process further comprises directing a bottom flush stream comprising acetic acid into the distillation zone, the bottom sump zone, or both, simultaneous with distilling of the feed stream, which may also be simultaneous with directing the top flush stream comprising water into the distillation zone. In embodiments, the bottom flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent acetic acid and/or the mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream directed into the distillation column is greater than or equal to about 0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the feed stream. In any one of the above embodiments, the overhead stream produced by the distillation column comprises dimethyl ether.

In embodiments, a process comprises the steps of:

-   -   a. distilling a stream derived from a reaction medium of a         carbonylation reactor in a first distillation column to yield an         acetic acid stream and a first overhead stream comprising methyl         iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one         PRC;     -   b. directing a second column feed stream comprising or derived         from the first overhead stream into a second distillation column         comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone;     -   c. distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure and a         temperature sufficient to produce a second column overhead         stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC, and a         second column residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone         comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight         percent HI;     -   d. extracting at least a portion of the second column overhead         stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC with water         at a temperature below about 25° C. to produce an aqueous waste         stream comprising the at least one PRC, and a raffinate stream         comprising methyl iodide; and     -   e. directing at least a first portion of the raffinate stream         back into the second distillation column.

In embodiments, the second column residuum stream comprises about 0.6 weight percent HI to about 1.2 weight percent HI. In embodiments, the second column overhead stream comprises dimethyl ether, and may further include the step of directing a second portion of the raffinate stream comprising methyl iodide and dimethyl ether back into the reaction medium. In embodiments, the mass flow rate of the first portion of the raffinate stream directed back into the second distillation column is greater than or equal to the mass flow rate of the second portion of the raffinate stream directed back into the reaction medium.

In embodiments, a bottom temperature of the second distillation column is about 90° C. to about 130° C.; a pressure of the second distillation column is from atmospheric pressure to about 700 kPa above atmospheric pressure, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, one or more of:

a. the bottom temperature of the second distillation column;

b. the pressure of the second distillation column;

c. the composition of the top flush stream, such as the concentration of water present therein;

d. the mass flow rate of the top flush stream relative to the mass flow of the second column feed stream;

e. the composition of the bottom flush stream, such as the concentration of acetic acid therein;

f. the mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream relative to the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream;

g. the average liquid phase residence time in the distillation zone of the second distillation column; and

h. the average residence time of the first liquid phase and/or the second liquid phase within each of the internal components present in the distillation zone of the second distillation column;

are selected to produce the second column residuum stream comprising about 0.11 weight percent HI to less than or equal to 0.9 weight percent HI.

Acetic Acid Production System

Processes to produce acetic acid via methanol carbonylation can be conveniently divided into three main areas: the reaction systems, the internal purification systems, and the product purification systems.

The reaction systems include the carbonylation reactor, the flasher, and the like. The internal purification systems include the light ends recovery/acetic acid product separation systems, aldehyde removal systems, and the like.

The product purification systems include drying columns, resin beds, and the like, directed to purifying the acetic acid to produce the final product.

Examples of processes suitable to produce the distillation column feed stream according to the instant disclosure include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,769,329; U.S. Pat. No. 3,772,156; U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,395; U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,591; U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,806; U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,259; U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,908; U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,068; U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,097; U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,755; U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,095; U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,853; U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,492; U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,120, U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,520; U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,237, U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,252; U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,422; U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,930; U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,498, U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,527; U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,171; U.S. Pat. No. 6,657,078; U.S. Pat. No. 7,208,624; U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,883; U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,886; U.S. Pat. No. 7,271,293; U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,761; U.S. Pat. No. 7,838,701; U.S. Pat. No. 7,855,306; U.S. Pat. No. 8,076,507; US20060247466; US20090036710; US20090259072; US20090062525; US20110288333; US20120090981; US20120078012; US20130116470; US20130261334; US20130264186; US20130281735; US20130261334; US20130281735; EP0161874; WO9822420; WO0216297; WO2013137236, and the like, the entire contents and disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Reaction Systems and Processes

As shown in FIG. 1, the processes 100 includes directing a methanol-containing feed stream 101 and a carbon monoxide-containing feed stream 102 into a liquid phase reaction medium 105 of a carbonylation reactor 104, wherein they are contacted in the presence of catalyst, water, methyl iodide, methyl acetate, acetic acid, an iodide salt, HI, and other reaction medium components to produce acetic acid.

A portion of the reaction medium 105 is continuously removed from the reactor 104 to the flasher 112 via line 113. This stream is subject to flash or low pressure distillation in flasher 112, wherein acetic acid and other volatile components are separated from the non-volatile components present in the reaction medium. The non-volatile components are recycled back into the reaction medium via stream 110. The volatile components of the reaction medium are directed overhead via line 122 into the light ends column 124.

As the figure shows, the process includes a number of recycle lines through which various streams are recycled back into the reaction medium from other parts of the process. The process also includes various vapor purge lines, and the like. It is to be understood that all vents and other vapor lines are connected to one or more scrubber or vent systems and that all condensable components discharged to the scrubber system are eventually recycled back into the carbonylation reactor.

In embodiments, the reaction medium comprises a metal catalyst, or a Group VIII metal catalyst, or a catalyst comprising rhodium, nickel and/or iridium. In embodiments, the reaction medium comprises a rhodium catalyst, typically from about 200 to about 5000 parts per million (ppm) by weight, based on the total weight of the reaction medium.

In embodiments, the reaction medium further comprises a halogen-containing catalyst promoter, typically methyl iodide (MeI). In embodiments, the reaction medium comprises greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent MeI, or from about 5 weight percent to about 50 weight percent MeI. In embodiments, the reaction medium comprises greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent AcOH.

In embodiments, the reaction medium comprises a finite concentration of water. In so-called low-water processes, the reaction medium comprises a finite concentration of water up to about 14 wt %. In embodiments, the reaction medium further comprises from about 0.5 weight percent to less than 20 weight percent methyl acetate (MeAc).

In embodiments, the reaction medium further comprises hydrogen iodide and one or more iodide salts, typically lithium iodide (LiI), in an amount sufficient to produce a total iodide ion concentration greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent and less than or equal to about 30 weight percent of the reaction medium.

In embodiments, the reaction medium may further comprise hydrogen, determined according to a hydrogen partial pressure present in the reactor. In embodiments, the partial pressure of hydrogen in the reactor is greater than or equal to about 0.7 kPa (0.1 psia), or 3.5 kPa (0.5 psia), or 6.9 kPa (1 psia), and less than or equal to about 1.03 MPa (150 psia), or 689 kPa (100 psia), or 345 kPa (50 psia), or 138 kPa (20 psia).

In embodiments, the reactor temperature i.e., the temperature of the reaction medium, is greater than or equal to about 150° C. In embodiments, the reactor temperature is greater than or equal to about 150° C. and less than or equal to about 250° C. In embodiments, the reactor temperature is greater than or equal to about 180° and less than or equal to about 220° C.

In embodiments, the carbon monoxide partial pressure in the reactor is greater than or equal to about 200 kPa. In embodiments, the CO partial pressure is greater than or equal to about 200 kPa and less than or equal to about 3 MPa. In embodiments, the CO partial pressure in the reactor is greater than or equal to about the 300 kPa, or 400 kPa, or 500 kPa and less than or equal to about 2 MPa, or 1 MPa. The total reactor pressure represents the combined partial pressure of all reactants, products, and by-products present therein. In embodiments, the total reactor pressure is greater than or equal to about 1 MPa and less than or equal to about 4 MPa.

Light Ends Recovery/Acetic Acid Product Separation Systems and Processes

In embodiments, the overhead stream from flasher 112 is directed as stream 122 to a first distillation column 124, which may also be referred to as the light ends column or the stripper column. Accordingly, the feed stream to the first distillation column is derived from the reaction medium because it undergoes distillation prior to entering the first distillation column. Distillation of the feed stream in the light ends column 124 yields a low-boiling first overhead vapor stream 126, referred to herein as the first overhead stream 126, and a purified acetic acid stream 128. Stream 128 is a crude acetic acid stream, which is subsequently purified. In embodiments, acetic acid stream 128 is removed as a side stream. The light ends column 124 further produces a high boiling residuum stream 116, which may be subject to further purification and/or may be recycled back into the reaction medium.

In embodiments, acetic acid stream 128 is subjected to further purification in the product purification section of the process, such as in a drying column 130 to remove water. In embodiments, the acetic acid stream 128 may be further purified in a heavy ends column (cf. WO0216297), and/or contacted with one or more absorbent, adsorbent, or purification resins in guard column 200 to remove various impurities (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 6,657,078).

In embodiments, the first overhead 126 is condensed and then directed into an overhead phase separation unit 134, (overhead decanter 134). The first overhead 126 comprises methyl iodide, methyl acetate, acetic acid, water, and at least one PRC. In embodiments, the condensed first overhead stream 126 is separated into a light aqueous phase 135 comprising water, acetic acid, methyl iodide, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC; and a heavy phase 137 comprising methyl iodide, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC. In view of the solubility of methyl iodide in water and vice-versa, the heavy phase 137 comprises some water and the light phase 135 comprises some methyl iodide. The exact compositions of these two streams are a function of the methyl acetate, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, and other components which are also present in the light ends overhead stream 126.

In embodiments, at least a portion of the heavy phase 137, the light phase 135, or both is returned to the reaction medium via line 114. In embodiments, essentially all of the heavy phase 137 is recirculated to the reactor and the light phase 135 is forwarded to the aldehyde removal process 108. In alternative embodiments, essentially all of the light phase 135 is recirculated to the reactor and the heavy phase 137 is forwarded to the aldehyde removal process 108. For purposes herein, examples are directed to forwarding the light phase 135 to the aldehyde removal process 108. It is to be understood, however, that the heavy phase 137 alone, or in combination with the light phase 135 may be forwarded to the aldehyde removal process 108. In embodiments, a portion of the heavy phase 137, typically from about 5 to 40 volume percent may be directed to the aldehyde removal system 108 and the remainder recycled to the reaction medium. In embodiments, at least a portion of the condensed second column overhead 138 is directed back into the light ends column 124 as reflux via stream 140.

In embodiments, a stream derived from the first column overhead 126, i.e. the light phase 135, is provided as a feed stream 142 to the aldehyde removal system 108, (the ARS). The feed stream 142 comprises methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC. The aldehyde removal system comprises at least one distillation column 150. The distillation column 150 comprising a distillation zone 312 and a bottom sump zone 314 (cf. FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 1, the aldehyde removal system 108 may comprise a single distillation column 150. In FIG. 1, the single distillation column ARS embodiment is generally indicated as 132. In this embodiment, the ARS feed stream 142 is distilled in the second distillation column 150 to remove water, acetic acid methyl iodide and methyl acetate from the residuum 154, and to form a second overhead stream 152 comprising the PRC's (acetaldehyde) concentrated in methyl iodide.

As shown in FIG. 2, the aldehyde removal system 108 may comprise at least two distillation columns 170 and 172. This multi-column ARS is generally indicated as 133. In assembly 133, the feed stream 142 is directed into a separation column 170 to remove water and acetic acid as residuum stream 174. The overhead 178 comprises methyl iodide, methyl acetate, and the PRC's. A portion of the overhead 178 may be refluxed back into the separation column as stream 181.

Overhead stream 178 is then directed into the second distillation column 172 as stream 179. Stream 179 is referred to herein as the alternative second column feed stream 179. The feed stream 179 is distilled in the second distillation column 172 to produce the second overhead stream 152 comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC. Distillation of the alternative second column feed stream 179 further produces residuum stream 154 flowing from the bottom sump zone of column 172 comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI.

Both of these ARS systems are described herein using similar descriptions with like indicators used to describe streams which are essentially identical in each system. The second column overhead 152 and the second column residuum 154 produced using assembly 132 are essentially identical to the same streams 152 and 154 produced using assembly 133. Accordingly, for purposes herein, various flow rates, directing of various streams, and the like are referred to interchangeably between the assemblies shown in 132 and 133. In embodiments, second overhead stream 152 may further comprise dimethyl ether. Dimethyl ether may be intentionally added to the process such that it accumulates in the second column overhead 152, or the process may be operated such that DME is formed in-situ, within the second distillation column 150 or 172.

In embodiments, the second column overhead 152 is condensed and forwarded to an overhead separator 160. A portion of the condensed second column overhead 162 may be refluxed back into the second distillation column (150 or 172) via lines 167 and 164. At least a portion of the condensed second column overhead 162 is cooled (e.g., via heat exchanger 173), and contacted with an aqueous stream 166 (typically water) in at least one extractor 169, typically at an extraction temperature below about 25° C., or below about 20° C., or below 15° C., or below about 10° C., or below about 5° C. Extraction of the second column overhead 152 produces an aqueous waste stream 168 comprising PRC and a small amount of methyl iodide which is subsequently removed from the process as waste. The extraction also produces the raffinate stream 158, which comprises methyl iodide. When the second column overhead 152 comprises dimethyl ether, the raffinate stream 158 also comprises dimethyl ether.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the raffinate stream 158 is recycled back into the second distillation column via line 161, which greatly improves the amount of PRC's present in the second column overhead 152.

In embodiments, the raffinate stream 158 is divided into two portions: a first portion 161 and a second portion 163. The first portion of the raffinate stream flow 161 is recycled back into the second distillation column. The second portion of the raffinate stream flow 163 is recycled back into the reaction medium via stream 155, e.g., via combining stream 155 with stream 116, 118, and/or the like. The recycle of a portion of the raffinate stream back into the reaction medium consumes the DME present in the stream. This prevents excessive accumulation of the DME in the second distillation column 150 or 172, thereby preventing overpressure of the second distillation column 150 or 172 (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,883). Pressure buildup in column 150 or 172 causes venting of the overhead separator 160 to the scrubber system 139. This venting results in the undesirable recycle of acetaldehyde back into the reaction medium.

In embodiments, a mass flow of the first portion of the raffinate 161 is greater than or equal to a mass flow of the second portion of the raffinate 163. In embodiments, the mass flow of the first portion of the raffinate 161 is greater than or equal to about 1%, or 5%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, and less than 500% of the mass flow of the second portion of the raffinate 163. In embodiments, the mass flow of the second portion of the raffinate 163 is greater than or equal to about 1%, or 5%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, and less than 500% of the mass flow of the first portion of the raffinate 161.

In embodiments, second distillation column (150 or 172) may optionally comprise a sidestream 157 from which a stream comprising methyl acetate is produced. The optional sidestream 157 allows the second distillation column to be operated under conditions desirable for obtaining a higher concentration of acetaldehyde in the second column overhead stream 152 while providing a mechanism for removing methyl acetate and/or methanol that might otherwise accumulate in the center of the second distillation column (e.g., a methyl acetate bulge) which is eventually pushed into the second column overhead stream 152. The optional sidestream 157, comprising methyl acetate, if utilized, is preferably recycled back into the process.

Embodiments of the instant process may further comprise directing a top flush stream 164 comprising water into the distillation zone of the second distillation column 150 or 172. The top flush stream 164 may comprise fresh material, but is preferably generated from a stream produced by the process to control water content in the system. In embodiments, the top flush stream 164 comprises water, acetic acid, methanol, or any combination thereof.

In embodiments utilizing assembly 133, a portion of the separation column residuum stream 174 may be directed via stream 156 and 164 into the alternative second distillation column 172 as the top flush stream 164. In embodiments in which apparatus 132 is utilized, the top flush stream may include at least a portion of residuum stream 154, directed via stream 156 to 164.

In embodiments, the mass flow rate of the top flush stream 164 is greater than or equal to about 1% of the total mass flow rate of feed stream 142, the second column feed stream 143, or feed stream 179 where applicable. In embodiments, the mass flow rate of the top flush stream 164 is greater than or equal to about 5%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, 100%, or 150%, and less than 500% of the mass flow of feed stream 142, the second column feed stream 143, or feed stream 179 where applicable.

In an embodiment, the process may further comprise directing a bottom flush stream 165 into the distillation zone of the second distillation column and/or into the bottom sump zone of the second distillation column. The bottom flush stream 165 may comprise, water, acetic acid, or both. In embodiments, bottom flush stream 165 comprises at least 10 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt % acetic acid. In embodiments, the bottom flush stream consists of, or consists essentially of acetic acid.

In embodiments, the mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream 165 into the second distillation column 150 or 172 is greater than or equal to about 0.1% of the total mass flow rate of feed stream 142, or the second column feed stream 143 or 179. In embodiments, the mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream 165 is greater than or equal to about 5%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, 100%, or 150%, or 200%, or 300%, and less than 500% of the mass flow of feed stream 142, the second column feed stream 143, or feed stream 179 where applicable.

In embodiments, the total combined mass flow rates of the top flush stream 164 and the bottom flush stream 165 is about 1.1%, or 5%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90%, 100%, or 150%, or 200%, or 300%, and less than 500% of the mass flow of feed stream 142, the second column feed stream 143, or feed stream 179 where applicable.

In embodiments, the mass flow rate of the top flush stream 164, the mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream 165, or the total combined mass flow rates of the top flush stream 164 and the bottom flush stream 165 is from about 1% to about 50% of the mass flow rate of the residuum stream 154.

In embodiments, second distillation column residuum stream 154 comprises water, acetic acid, and at least about 0.11 weight percent HI. In embodiments, residuum stream 154 comprises greater than or equal to about 5 wt % water, or 10 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt % water. In embodiments, residuum stream 154 comprises greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent acetic acid, or 10 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt % acetic acid. In embodiments, residuum stream 154 comprises greater than or equal to about 5 wt % methyl iodide, or 10 wt %, or 20 wt %, or 30 wt %, or 40 wt %, or 50 wt %, or 60 wt %, or 70 wt %, or 80 wt %, or 90 wt %, or 95 wt % methyl iodide.

In embodiments, the second column residuum stream 154 comprises greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI. In an embodiment, the residuum stream 154 comprises greater than or equal to about 0.21 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.25 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.3 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.35 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.4 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.6 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.65 weight percent HI, or greater than or equal to about 0.7 weight percent HI.

Corrosion considerations render excessive amounts of HI generally undesirable. As discussed above, a certain amount of HI, controlled within a specific range, is desirable in order to catalyze the formation of a controlled amount of DME within the column. This DME has been found to have a beneficial effect on phase separation in the liquid-liquid extraction system common to acetaldehyde removal systems as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,883, U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,886, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,076,507. In embodiments, the residuum stream 154 comprises less than or equal to about 10 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 5 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 2 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 1.2 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 1.1 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 1.0 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 0.9 weight percent HI, or 0.75 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 0.7 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 0.65 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 0.6 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 0.55 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent HI, or less than or equal to about 0.45 weight percent HI, based on the total weight of the residuum stream. The maximum concentration of HI in the second column residuum stream 154 may be selected according to an acceptable level of corrosion under the conditions present therein. Accordingly, selection of particular materials may allow for even higher concentrations of HI in the residuum above 0.11 wt %.

In embodiments, residuum stream 154 may further comprise methyl iodide, methanol, methyl acetate, and/or acetaldehyde. In embodiments, a portion of residuum stream 154 may be directed to drying column 130, e.g. via reflux derived from drying column decanter 148, to the reactor 104, or both.

As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the second distillation column (FIG. 3 shows column 150 which for purposes of the figures is representative of either 150 or 172) comprises a distillation zone 312 and a bottom sump zone 314. The distillation zone 312 is everything above the bottom sump zone 314, and may comprise various internal components including, but not limited to packing sections, liquid collectors/redistributors, trays, supports, and the like.

In embodiments, the second distillation column contains at least 100 trays and is operated at a temperature ranging from about 101° C. at the bottom to about 60° C. at the top. In an alternative embodiment, the second distillation column comprises structured packing in place of trays. In embodiments, the structured packing, a random packing, or a combination thereof, having an interfacial area of 150 to 400 m²/m³, and may comprise ceramic, polymeric, an austenitic-ferritic metallic alloy, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, a bottom temperature of the second distillation column is from about 90° C. to about 130° C., a pressure of the second distillation column is from atmospheric pressure or about 150 kPa above atmospheric pressure, to about 700 kPa above atmospheric pressure, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, the distillation zone is dimensioned and arranged to control the contact time between methyl iodide and water to control the concentration of HI in the second distillation column residuum 154.

In embodiments, the liquid phase present within the second distillation column comprises a first liquid phase comprising greater than about 50 weight percent water (an aqueous or water phase) and a second liquid phase comprising greater than about 50 weight percent methyl iodide (a methyl iodide phase).

In embodiments, the distillation zone 312, and in particular various internal components within the distillation zone, are dimensioned and arranged to control the contact time between the methyl iodide phase and the water phase to the minimum amount required to produce a second column residuum stream 154 having an HI concentration greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent.

In embodiments, the internal components are designed (dimensioned and arranged) to minimize the residence time of the liquid phases present within the distillation column under process conditions. It has been discovered that a minimum contact time between the aqueous phase and the methyl iodide phase within the second distillation column is necessary to produce a residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI. However, it has also been discovered that prolonged contact time between discrete portions of the aqueous phase and the methyl iodide phase adversely affect the ability to control the amount of HI in the residuum stream. Such prolonged contact time may result from pooling and/or trapping of discrete portions of a particular phase within particular internal components of the column, without affecting the overall residence time of the liquid phase within the distillation column.

As shown in FIG. 3, in embodiments, the second distillation column 150 or 172 may comprises a plurality of internal components which may include liquid collectors 310, liquid distributors 300, and the like, which may be dispersed between a plurality of packing sections 302 and 304 each individually comprising structured packing, random packing, or a combination thereof. In alternative embodiments, the internal components may be distillation plates or trays, along with various supports 308 and collectors.

In embodiments, the distillation zone 312 comprises a vapor phase and a liquid phase, the liquid phase comprising a first liquid phase 326 (cf. FIG. 4) and a second liquid phase 328 (cf. FIG. 4), wherein the first liquid phase comprises greater than about 50 weight percent water and the second liquid phase comprises greater than about 50 weight percent methyl iodide. Apart from some intra-solubility, the two liquid phases are generally immiscible.

As shown in FIG. 4, each internal component includes an associated or corresponding liquid phase retention volume which is dependent on the dimensions and arrangement of the component. In embodiments in which two liquid phases are present within the distillation column, the total retention volume of the liquid phase associated with a particular component is equal to the sum of the retention volume of the first liquid phase 326 and the retention volume of the second liquid phase 328 within the confines of the particular component. The liquid holdup volume of the distillation zone is thus equal to the sum of each of the liquid phase retention volumes of the components within the distillation zone plus the amount present on the sides and other non-functional surfaces of the column.

Each component retention volume has a corresponding residence time of the first liquid phase and a corresponding residence time of the second liquid phase under operational conditions. The residence time of a particular liquid phase in an internal component is equal to the average time a discrete amount of that particular liquid phase is retained within the component's retention volume under operational conditions. However, the physical properties of the two liquid phases, the position of drains or flow paths of the internal component, and/or other aspects of the internal component may result in pooling or trapping of one of the liquid phases within its retention volume. A liquid phase which becomes trapped within the retention volume of a particular component may have an average residence time within that particular component which exceeds the average residence time of the entire liquid phase in the distillation zone of the column.

Accordingly, the residence times of particular liquid phases within the internal components of a distillation column must be measured directly or calculated/and or modeled under operational conditions based on the physical properties of the liquid phases and the design and arrangement of the particular components.

As shown in FIG. 4 since two liquid phases 326 and 328 are present during the distillation, column internals which do not include bottom drains, or which do not comprise adequately sized or positioned bottom drains will tend to accumulate the heavier methyl iodide second liquid phase 328 beneath the lighter aqueous first liquid phase 326, even though the methyl iodide phase has a lower boiling point than the aqueous phase. The heavier methyl iodide phase will then tend to progress through the column when carried along with the lighter aqueous phase. The heavier phase may also accumulate in a retention volume and then overflow the various structures within the column. Such column designs result in prolonged and unpredictable residence times for discrete portions of the second liquid phase.

Likewise, as show in FIG. 4, column internals which include bottom drains but which do not include top drains, or which do not comprise adequately sized or positioned top drains will tend to accumulate the lighter aqueous first liquid phase 326 within the retention volume of the internal component. The first liquid phase 326 may then become trapped relative to the better drained heavier second liquid phase 328, which drains through the accumulated first liquid phase 326 and through one or more bottom drain holes 340. The lighter first liquid phase will then tend to progress through the column only when carried along with the heavy phase, or by overflowing the various structures within the column, leading to prolonged residence times for discrete portions of the first aqueous liquid phase within the retention volume of certain internal component structures.

As shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment, a liquid redistributor, tray, or other column internal 300 may include one or more vapor risers 316 which allow the vapor phase to flow through the structure, and one or more drip tubes 318 to allow liquid to pass through the structure from one side to another. In an embodiment, one or more drip tubes 318 may each comprise at least one of a first plurality of passages 324, disposed there-through which are holes arranged to drain the first liquid phase 326, which is less dense (lighter) than the second liquid phase 328, and thus located farther away from bottom of the structure. Each drip tube 318 may further comprises at least one of a second plurality of passages 330 disposed there-through, which are holes arranged proximate to the bottom of the structure to drain the second heavier liquid phase 328 there-through.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment wherein each of the drip tubes 320 comprise at least one of the first plurality of passages which are combined with the second plurality of passages in the form of a slit 332 disposed there through along a vertical wall of the drip tube 320 which allows both the first light phase 326 and the second heavy phase 328 to drain through the structure.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment wherein each of the drip tubes 322 comprise at least one of the first plurality of passages in the form of a slit 334 disposed there through along only a portion of a vertical wall of the drip tube 322, which is arranged to allow the first light phase 326 to drain through the structure, and each drip tube 322 may further comprises at least one of a second plurality of passages 336 disposed there-through, which are holes arranged proximate to the bottom of the structure to drain the second heavier liquid phase 328 there through.

In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a structure may comprise a weir or dam having a side height 338 (e.g., a side of a liquid redistributor 300 or a column tray) which allows the lighter first phase 326 to drain by spilling over the side, in combination with the tray being equipped with one or more bottom drain holes 340 to allow the heavy phase to drain there-through.

In embodiments, the column packing, when present, may also be selected to reduce liquid holdup, as is generally understood by one having reasonable skill in the art, and the like.

Experiments were conducted by simulation to determine the average residence time of the aqueous phase of a second distillation column operated using a top flush stream and partial column reflux in an aldehyde removal system of a commercial acetic acid production process, which produced a residuum stream having an HI concentration which was difficult to control. In comparative examples, an average residence time of the aqueous phase in the distillation zone of the second distillation column which only included bottom drains in the liquid redistributors was determined by simulation to be about 6 hours, which was not reflected in the total residence time of the feed stream in the distillation column. Accordingly, the aqueous phase was being trapped in portions of the column. The column was then simulated to be equipped with drip tubes configured with a first and a second plurality of fluid passages as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 in separate modeling experiments. Under the same conditions as the comparative example simulation, the average residence time of the aqueous phase in the distillation zone of the inventive distillation columns was reduced from about 6 hours to about 11 minutes on average.

Employment of a second distillation column according to embodiments disclosed herein having an average liquid phase residence time within the distillation zone of about 1 minute to about 60 minutes, wherein the distillation zone comprised a plurality of internal components, each having a component liquid retention volume, wherein each of the internal components was dimensioned and arranged such that an average residence time of the first liquid phase and an average residence time of the second liquid phase in each of the component liquid retention volumes was less than about 30 minutes, resulted in a second column residuum stream having a concentration of HI between 0.11 weight percent and 0.9 weight percent.

In embodiments, the average residence time of the feed stream within the distillation zone of the second distillation column is about 1 minute to about 60 minutes or about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, or about 1 minute to about 15 minutes.

In embodiments the distillation zone comprises a plurality of internal components, each having a component liquid retention volume. Each of the internal components is dimensioned and arranged such that an average residence time of the first liquid phase within the liquid retention volume of each component is less than about 30 minutes, or about 20 minutes, or about 10 minutes, or about 5 minutes. In embodiments, each of the internal components is dimensioned and arranged such that an average residence time of the second liquid phase within the liquid retention volume of each component is less than about 30 minutes, or about 20 minutes, or about 10 minutes, or about 5 minutes, when determined via modeling or direct measurement.

In embodiments, at least one internal component, or all internal components present in the distillation zone is (are) dimensioned and arranged such that the average residence time of the first liquid phase is greater than or equal to the average residence time of the second liquid phase in the corresponding component liquid retention volume when determined via modeling or direct measurement.

In embodiments, at least one internal component e.g., a distillation tray, liquid collector, distributor, or redistributor, comprises a first plurality of flow paths (e.g., 324, 322, and/or 334) dimensioned and arranged such that the average residence time of the first liquid phase is from about 0.1 minutes to about 20 minutes, or to about 10 minutes, or to about 5 minutes in the corresponding component liquid retention volume when determined via modeling or direct measurement.

In embodiments, the at least one internal component further comprises a second plurality of flow paths (e.g., 330 322, 336 and/or 340) dimensioned and arranged such that the average residence time of the second liquid phase is from about 0.1 minutes to about 20 minutes, or to about 10 minutes, or to about 5 minutes in the corresponding component liquid retention volume when determined via modeling or direct measurement.

In embodiments, the concentration of HI in the second column residuum may be controlled by selecting various conditions associated with the second distillation column. In embodiments, the concentration of HI in the second column residuum may be controlled between 0.1 wt % and 0.9 wt % by selecting the temperature and pressures of the distillation, i.e., the bottom temperature of the second distillation column and the pressure of the second distillation column.

In embodiments, the concentration of HI in the second column residuum may be controlled by selecting the composition of the top flush stream, the mass flow rate of the top flush stream, the composition of the bottom flush stream, and/or the mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream. For example, to decrease the concentration of HI in the second column residuum, the amount of bottom flush stream relative to the column feed rate may be increased to dilute and wash out the HI present in the column sump.

In embodiments, the concentration of HI in the second column residuum may be controlled by selecting an average liquid phase residence time in the distillation zone, and/or by controlling the average residence time of one or more liquid phases within the retention volumes of one or more internal components, as discussed herein. In addition, any combination of the above control schemes may be selected to produce the residuum stream comprising about 0.11 weight percent HI to less than or equal to 0.9 weight percent HI.

As is evident from the figures and text presented above, a variety of embodiments are contemplated.

-   -   E1. A process comprising:         -   providing a feed stream comprising methyl iodide, water,             acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC to a             distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a             bottom sump zone;         -   distilling the feed stream at a pressure and a temperature             sufficient to produce an overhead stream comprising methyl             iodide and at least one PRC, and a residuum stream flowing             from the bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than             or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI.     -   E2. The process according to embodiment E1, wherein the residuum         stream comprises about 0.6 weight percent HI to about 1.2 weight         percent HI.     -   E3. The process according to embodiment E1 or E2, wherein an         average liquid phase residence time within the distillation zone         is about 1 minute to about 60 minutes.     -   E4. The process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E3,         wherein the liquid phase comprises a first liquid phase         comprising greater than about 50 weight percent water and a         second liquid phase comprising greater than about 50 weight         percent methyl iodide.     -   E5. The process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E4,         wherein the distillation zone comprises a plurality of internal         components, each having a component liquid retention volume,         wherein each of the internal components is dimensioned and         arranged such that an average residence time of the first liquid         phase and an average residence time of the second liquid phase         in each of the component liquid retention volumes is less than         about 30 minutes.     -   E6. The process according to embodiment E5, wherein at least one         internal component is dimensioned and arranged such that the         average residence time of the first liquid phase is greater than         or equal to the average residence time of the second liquid         phase in the corresponding component liquid retention volume.     -   E7. The process according to embodiment E5 or E6, wherein at         least one internal component comprises a first plurality of flow         paths dimensioned and arranged such that the average residence         time of the first liquid phase is from about 0.1 minutes to         about 20 minutes in the corresponding component liquid retention         volume.     -   E8. The process according to any one of embodiments E5 to E7,         wherein the at least one internal component further comprises a         second plurality of flow paths dimensioned and arranged such         that the average residence time of the second liquid phase is         from about 0.1 minutes to about 20 minutes in the corresponding         component liquid retention volume.     -   E9. The process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E8,         further comprising directing a top flush stream comprising water         into the distillation zone simultaneous with distilling of the         feed stream.     -   E10. The process according to embodiment E9, wherein a mass flow         rate of the top flush stream is greater than or equal to about         0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the feed stream.     -   E11. The process according to embodiment E9 or E10, wherein the         top flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20         weight percent water, a portion of the bottom residuum stream,         or a combination thereof.     -   E12. The process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E11,         further comprising directing a bottom flush stream comprising         acetic acid into the distillation zone, the bottom sump zone, or         both, simultaneous with distilling of the feed stream.     -   E13. The process according to embodiment E12, wherein the bottom         flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight         percent acetic acid.     -   E14. The process according to embodiment E12 or E13, wherein a         mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream is greater than or         equal to about 0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the feed         stream.     -   E15. The process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E14,         wherein the overhead stream comprises dimethyl ether.     -   E16. A process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E15,         further comprising:         -   a. distilling a portion of a reaction medium of a             carbonylation reactor in a first column to yield an acetic             acid stream and a first overhead stream comprising methyl             iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one             PRC;         -   b. directing a second column feed stream comprising or             derived from the first overhead stream into a second             distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a             bottom sump zone;         -   c. distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure             and a temperature sufficient to produce a second column             overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one             PRC, and a second column residuum stream flowing from the             bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal             to about 0.11 weight percent HI;         -   d. extracting at least a portion of the second column             overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one             PRC with water at a temperature below about 25° C. to             produce an aqueous waste stream comprising the at least one             PRC, and a raffinate stream comprising methyl iodide; and         -   e. directing at least a first portion of the raffinate             stream back into the second distillation column.     -   E17. A process comprising:         -   a. distilling a portion of a reaction medium of a             carbonylation reactor in a first column to yield an acetic             acid stream and a first overhead stream comprising methyl             iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one             PRC;         -   b. directing a second column feed stream comprising or             derived from the first overhead stream into a second             distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a             bottom sump zone;         -   c. distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure             and a temperature sufficient to produce a second column             overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one             PRC, and a second column residuum stream flowing from the             bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal             to about 0.11 weight percent HI;         -   d. extracting at least a portion of the second column             overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one             PRC with water at a temperature below about 25° C. to             produce an aqueous waste stream comprising the at least one             PRC, and a raffinate stream comprising methyl iodide; and         -   e. directing at least a first portion of the raffinate             stream back into the second distillation column.     -   E18. The process according to embodiment E16 or E17, wherein the         second column residuum stream comprises about 0.6 weight percent         HI to about 1.2 weight percent HI.     -   E19. The process according to any one of embodiments E16 to E18,         wherein the second column overhead stream comprises dimethyl         ether.     -   E20. The process according to any one of embodiments E16 to E19,         wherein an average liquid phase residence time within the         distillation zone of the second distillation column is about 1         minute to about 60 minutes.     -   E21. The process according to any one of embodiments E16 to E20,         further comprising directing a top flush stream comprising water         into the distillation zone of the second distillation column         simultaneous with distilling of the second column feed stream.     -   E22. The process according to any one of embodiments E16 to E21,         wherein a mass flow rate of the top flush stream is greater than         or equal to about 0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the         second column feed stream.     -   E23. The process according to embodiment E22, wherein the top         flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight         percent water, a portion of the bottom residuum stream, or a         combination thereof.     -   E24. The process according to any one of embodiments E16 to E23,         further comprising directing a bottom flush stream comprising         acetic acid into the distillation zone and/or the bottom sump         zone of the second distillation column simultaneous with         distilling of the second column feed stream.     -   E25. The process according to embodiment E24, wherein the bottom         flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight         percent acetic acid.     -   E26. The process according to any one of embodiments E16 to E25,         further comprising:         -   f. directing a second portion of the raffinate stream             comprising methyl iodide and dimethyl ether back into the             reaction medium.     -   E27. The process according to embodiment E26, wherein a mass         flow rate of the first portion of the raffinate stream is         greater than or equal to a mass flow rate of the second portion         of the raffinate stream.     -   E28. The process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E27,         wherein a bottom temperature of the second distillation column         is about 90° C. to about 130° C., a pressure of the second         distillation column is from atmospheric pressure to about 700         kPa above atmospheric pressure, or a combination thereof.     -   E29. A process comprising:         -   a. distilling a portion of a reaction medium of a             carbonylation reactor in a first distillation column to             yield an acetic acid stream and a first overhead stream             comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl             acetate, and at least one PRC;         -   b. directing a second column feed stream comprising or             derived from the first overhead stream into a second             distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a             bottom sump zone;         -   c. distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure             and a temperature sufficient to produce a second column             overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, dimethyl ether,             and at least one PRC, and a second column residuum stream             flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and from             about 0.11 weight percent to about 0.9 weight percent HI;         -   d. simultaneously directing a top flush stream comprising             water into the distillation zone at a mass flow rate greater             than or equal to 0.1% of the mass flow rate of the second             column feed stream; and         -   e. simultaneously directing a bottom flush stream comprising             acetic acid into the distillation zone and/or the bottom             sump zone at a mass flow rate greater than or equal to 0.1%             of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream.     -   E30. The process according to any one of embodiments E1 to E29,         wherein a bottom temperature of the second distillation column,         a pressure of the second distillation column, a composition of         the top flush stream, the mass flow rate of the top flush         stream, a composition of the bottom flush stream, the mass flow         rate of the bottom flush stream, an average liquid phase         residence time in the distillation zone, or a combination         thereof, are selected to produce the residuum stream comprising         about 0.6 weight percent HI to less than or equal to 1.2 weight         percent HI.

While the embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only some embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the embodiments are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as ideally, desirably, preferable, preferably, preferred, more preferred or exemplary utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable or characteristic, nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. 

We claim:
 1. A process comprising: a. directing a methanol-containing feed stream and a carbon monoxide-containing feed stream into a liquid phase reaction medium of a carbonylation reactor in the presence of a catalyst, water, methyl iodide, methyl acetate, acetic acid, an iodide salt, and HI and carbonylating the reaction medium to produce acetic acid; directing a portion of the reaction medium into a flasher to produce a vapor product stream comprising acetic acid, water, methyl iodide, methyl acetate and at least one PRC, and a non-volatile stream comprising the catalyst and directing the non-volatile stream back into the reaction medium; b. directing the vapor product stream from the flasher into a first distillation column to produce a first overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC; and a crude acetic acid stream as a side stream and directing a second column feed stream comprising or derived from the first overhead stream and comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC to a second distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone; c. distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to produce a second column overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC, and a second column residuum stream flowing from the bottom sump zone comprising water and greater than or equal to about 0.11 weight percent HI.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the second column residuum stream comprises about 0.6 weight percent HI to about 1.2 weight percent HI.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein an average liquid phase residence time within the distillation zone is about 1 minute to about 60 minutes.
 4. The process of claim 3, wherein the liquid phase comprises a first liquid phase comprising greater than about 50 weight percent water and a second liquid phase comprising greater than about 50 weight percent methyl iodide.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein the distillation zone comprises a plurality of internal components, each having a component liquid retention volume, wherein an average residence time of the first liquid phase and an average residence time of the second liquid phase in each of the component liquid retention volumes is less than about 30 minutes.
 6. The process of claim 5, wherein the average residence time of the first liquid phase is greater than or equal to the average residence time of the second liquid phase in the component liquid retention volume of at least one of the plurality of internal components.
 7. The process of claim 6, wherein the average residence time of the first liquid phase in the liquid retention volume of at least one of the plurality of internal components is from about 0.1 minutes to about 20 minutes.
 8. The process of claim 7, wherein the average residence time of the second liquid phase in the liquid retention volume of at least one of the plurality of internal components is from about 0.1 minutes to about 20 minutes.
 9. The process of claim 1, further comprising directing a top flush stream comprising water into the distillation zone simultaneous with distilling of the second column feed stream.
 10. The process of claim 9, wherein a mass flow rate of the top flush stream is greater than or equal to about 0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream.
 11. The process of claim 9, wherein the top flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent water, a portion of the second column residuum stream, or a combination thereof.
 12. The process of claim 1, further comprising directing a bottom flush stream comprising acetic acid into the distillation zone, the bottom sump zone, or both, simultaneous with distilling of the second column feed stream.
 13. The process of claim 12, wherein the bottom flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent acetic acid.
 14. The process of claim 12, wherein a mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream is greater than or equal to about 0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream.
 15. The process of claim 1, wherein the second column overhead stream comprises dimethyl ether.
 16. The process of claim 1, further comprising: d. extracting at least a portion of the second column overhead stream comprising methyl iodide and at least one PRC with water at a temperature below about 25° C. to produce an aqueous waste stream comprising the at least one PRC, and a raffinate stream comprising methyl iodide; and e. directing at least a first portion of the raffinate stream back into the second distillation column.
 17. The process of claim 16, wherein the second column residuum stream comprises about 0.6 weight percent HI to about 1.2 weight percent HI.
 18. The process of claim 16, wherein the second column overhead stream comprises dimethyl ether.
 19. The process of claim 16, wherein an average liquid phase residence time within the distillation zone of the second distillation column is about 1 minute to about 60 minutes.
 20. The process of claim 16, further comprising directing a top flush stream comprising water into the distillation zone of the second distillation column simultaneous with distilling of the second column feed stream.
 21. The process of claim 20, wherein a mass flow rate of the top flush stream is greater than or equal to about 0.1 percent of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream.
 22. The process of claim 20, wherein the top flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent water, a portion of the second column residuum stream, or a combination thereof.
 23. The process of claim 16, further comprising directing a bottom flush stream comprising acetic acid into the distillation zone and/or the bottom sump zone of the second distillation column simultaneous with distilling of the second column feed stream.
 24. The process of claim 23, wherein the bottom flush stream comprises greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent acetic acid.
 25. The process of claim 18, further comprising: f. directing a second portion of the raffinate stream comprising methyl iodide and dimethyl ether back into the reaction medium.
 26. The process of claim 25, wherein a mass flow rate of the first portion of the raffinate stream is greater than or equal to a mass flow rate of the second portion of the raffinate stream.
 27. The process of claim 16, wherein the temperature of the second distillation column includes a bottom temperature of about 90° C. to about 130° C., the pressure of the second distillation column is from atmospheric pressure to about 700 kPa above atmospheric pressure, or a combination thereof.
 28. A process comprising: a. directing a methanol-containing feed stream and a carbon monoxide-containing feed stream into a liquid phase reaction medium of a carbonylation reactor in the presence of a catalyst, water, methyl iodide, methyl acetate, acetic acid, an iodide salt, and HI and carbonylating the reaction medium to produce acetic acid; directing a portion of the reaction medium into a flasher to produce a vapor product stream comprising acetic acid, water, methyl iodide, methyl acetate and at least one PRC, and a non-volatile stream comprising the catalyst and directing the non-volatile stream back into the reaction medium; b. directing the vapor product stream from the flasher into a first distillation column to yield an acetic acid stream and a first overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, and at least one PRC and a crude acetic acid stream as a side stream; c. directing a second column feed stream comprising or derived from the first overhead stream into a second distillation column comprising a distillation zone and a bottom sump zone; d. distilling the second column feed stream at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to produce a second column overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, dimethyl ether, and at least one PRC, and a second column residuum stream flowing out of the second column from the bottom sump zone comprising water and from about 0.11 weight percent to about 0.9 weight percent HI; e. simultaneously directing a top flush stream comprising water into the distillation zone at a mass flow rate greater than or equal to 0.1% of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream; and f. simultaneously directing a bottom flush stream comprising greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent acetic acid into the distillation zone and/or the bottom sump zone at a mass flow rate greater than or equal to 0.1% of the mass flow rate of the second column feed stream.
 29. The process of claim 28, wherein a bottom temperature of the second distillation column, a pressure of the second distillation column, a composition of the top flush stream, the mass flow rate of the top flush stream, a composition of the bottom flush stream, the mass flow rate of the bottom flush stream, an average liquid phase residence time in the distillation zone, or a combination thereof, are selected to produce the residuum stream comprising about 0.11 weight percent HI to less than or equal to 0.9 weight percent HI. 